Working Title: Dairy Inspector
Job Class: Dairy Inspector 1
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Job ID : 94622
Location : Various
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to bidders and to all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bids accepted through 06/11/2026.
Date Posted : 06/05/2026
Closing Date : 06/15/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Division/Unit : Dairy and Meat Inspection Division / Dairy Inspection East Staff
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes
Salary Range: $25.67 - $37.26 / hourly; $53,598 - $77,798 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
This position is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of State Statutes, rules, and policies for the Dairy Division to ensure safe and wholesome milk and dairy products for the consumer and to maintain interstate markets for Minnesota's Dairy Industry. Implementation is accomplished through inspection, sampling, investigations, and other regulatory work. This position focuses more heavily on training specifically for plant inspections.
This position is a remote worker position which is defined as, an employee who, as a condition of their appointment, has their home or alternative location as the assigned work location, works permanently from that location, and does not have an agency permanent/principal work location. Currently the MDA does not allow remote work locations outside of the State of Minnesota. For more information refer to HR/LR Policy #1447 Remote Worker Policy: https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1447-remoteworker.pdf The current territory for this position will be Stearns, Meeker, McLeod, Sibley, Nicollet, LeSueur, Scott, Carver, and Wright counties.
Minimum Qualifications
One (1) year of experience workinginadairyorfoodplant inproduction, qualitycontrol, sanitation, dairy field representative, or on a dairy farm. NOTE: A bachelor's degree in agriculturalscience,animal ordairy,foodtechnologyor other closely related field may substitute for one year of experience.
Knowledgeofmilkanditscomponentssufficienttounderstandmilkpricing,qualityandproduct standards.
Technicalknowledgeoftheprinciplesusedintheproductionandprocessingofmilkand/ormilkproducts sufficientto evaluate equipment,sanitation, andprocessingprocedures.
Effectiveoralandwritten communicationskillssufficienttocommunicateeffectivelywiththepublic.
Mustcurrentlypossess andmaintain anactive/valid driver's licensewithanacceptable motorvehiclerecord subject to review.
The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor'sdegreefromandaccreditedinstitutioninagriculturalscience,animalordairy,foodtechnologyor other closely related field
Experienceperformingdairyorfoodinspectionsforagovernmentagency
AwarenessofStateandFederallawsandregulationastheyapplytodairyfarmsand/ordairyplants
Experienceworkingwiththepublicinagovernmentenforcementcapacity
Experienceworkingwithdairyproducers/farmers
Physical Requirements
In this position the dairy inspector will be inspecting dairy farms, dairy plants, and truck tanks on a regular basis. The essential physical capabilities include being able to sit and drive a car for an hour or more, standing for three to four hours, occasional climbing of ladders and stairs, walking, especially on uneven or slippery ground and/or floor structures, pushing/pulling of objects, reaching at or above shoulder level, lifting 20# occasionally during an inspection and 50-60# rarely, and bending. The employee will have 8-12 hours of sedentary office work per week, much of which involves the use of a computer. Other essential functions include driving, walking on uneven surfaces, working in all extremes of weather, capable of written and oral communication, acute vision, a sense of smell, and the ability to hear conversational voice in order to communicate effectively with supervisors and industry personnel.
Additional Requirements
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:
SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
Employment Reference Check
Driver's License Check
Conflict of Interest Review
Criminal Background Check
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
